The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Upper Mustang: Permits, Costs, and Tour Options

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Upper Mustang: Permits, Costs, and Tour Options by citymoto in Uncategorized Comment: 0

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Upper Mustang: Permits, Costs, and Tour Options

This comprehensive Upper Mustang tour guide provides essential information on what awaits you during your tour to the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo, also known as Upper Mustang. It’s important to note that trekking in Upper Mustang is strictly regulated, and it’s not possible to embark on this journey without the accompaniment of a registered  company in Nepal. This restriction makes it mandatory to have a guide with you during the trek. 

Here are following details about Upper Mustang permit cost, Best time to travel upper mustang and required documents for the permit

 

Do Tourists Need a License to Enter Upper Mustang?

Yes, all travelers who are not citizens of Nepal must obtain a license to visit Upper Mustang.

 

What Type of Permit is Required to enter Upper Mustang ?

All individuals visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) must have an entry permit, which is priced at $20 per person and grants a single entry into the area for the duration of the trek.

There is no limit to the amount of time a person can stay in the ACAP region. Furthermore, tourists traveling to Upper Mustang (beyond Kagbeni) must also secure a RAP (Regulated Area Permit), costing $500 per person for a 10-day stay. For stays longer than 10 days, an additional fee of $50 per day will be charged. No TIMS or Trekkers Information Management System is necessary for Upper Mustang, as the RAP provides sufficient information about the trekker and their destination in case of an emergency.

Upper Mustang Permit cost: 

Upper Mustang permit cost for all tourist cost $500 per person for a 10-day stay. For extended stays, an additional fee of $50 per day is imposed. Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit cost: $20 per person & Upper mustang permit cost for indian also same as other tourist.

 

Obtaining Upper Mustang Permit: Do It Yourself or Go through with a Tour Company.

For those exploring Lower Mustang, both TIMS and ACAP permit can be acquired by the trekker at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the Tourist Office in Pokhara.

However, individual trekkers cannot secure the special permits for Upper Mustang on their own. Solo trekking is also not allowed in Upper Mustang. The RAP / Special permit must be obtained through a Nepal registered company.

Required documents  to enter Upper Mustang :

• Passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Original passport and current visa are required.
• Upper Mustang Permit Cost is $500 per person for 10 days, with an additional fee of $50 per day for extended stays.
• A scanned copy of the passport-sized photograph is required.
• One printed passport-sized photograph is required for the ACAP license.
• The ACAP permit ($20 per person) is also required.
• A minimum of two trekkers in a group/ A Guide is Mandatory
• The license must be obtained through, and trekkers must go with, a Nepal registered company.

 

How to Get to Upper Mustang:

These are the best option to get to Upper Mustang.

• Flight from Kathmandu
• Take a bus to Jomsom
• Take Private Jeep 
• By Motorbike

Best time to travel Upper Mustang

• Spring Time: March- April and May:
  

  The spring season is an best time to travel Upper Mustang, especially for those starting from Lower Mustang as the weather will be more temperate and rivers are brimming with snowmelt.

  Mid-May is a particularly favorable time for trekkers looking to traverse high elevations or engage in climbing activities in Upper Mustang. It’s also the period of the Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang, a three-day celebration that adds a special dimension to your journey. The average temperature during this period usually ranges between 16°C and 22°C.

• Autumn – October, November – Mid december
  

  Peak Season for Optimal Conditions in Upper Mustang:

  The autumn season offers crystal clear views of the mountains with bright blue skies. However, be prepared for windy afternoons. Average temperatures during this time range from 12°C to 20°C.

  Late Season in Upper Mustang:

  As the end of the trekking season approaches, Upper Mustang’s lodges close and its villagers move to Pokhara and Kathmandu to escape the harsh winter. Trails become inaccessible due to snow and winter gear is necessary from mid of december.

Check out : Motorcycle tour to Upper Mustang this 2023.